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Sunday, September 18, 2011

Stapelia gettliffei Blooms

I bought this Stapelia gettliffei just a month or so ago. I knew it was related to the plant commonly known as carrion plant, or at least that fact hit me just about when I was paying for it. I knew the name had sounded familiar. This Stapelia is an interesting succulent, with very soft, velvety stems, quite different from the average succulent, or at least from any that I have.

I've been busy with visiting family so I really was pretty surprised when I looked across the patio table this morning and said "What is that??!!"

The stapelia bloom is big and impressive, just resting on the bench below the pot. I cautiously sniffed it. Not what I'd call an attractive scent but at the same time not strongly offensive. It is, however, quite lovely. And flies, the most common pollinators of stapelia, are also finding it attractive!

After a few hours the bloom is looking a bit wilted, maybe from the warm day, although they are short-lived flowers so maybe it will fade away quickly. If so, I'm grateful to have noticed it when I did...and I will definitely be keeping a watch for any more of these lovely blooms.